Microdermabrasion for Hyperpigmentation and Acne Scars in Vancouver WA

About Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical treatment for those unhappy with acne scarring, sun-damaged skin, age spots, freckles, stretch marks, fine lines, scars, and rough skin.

Treatment can be performed on the face, neck, chest, hands, back, elbows, feet – just about anywhere! Microdermabrasion treatments use a minimally abrasive instrument to gently sand your skin, removing the thicker, uneven outer layer.

Microdermabrasion can:

Improve age spots and black heads.
Improve hyperpigmentation (patches of darkened skin).
Exfoliate your skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance.
Lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduce or eliminate enlarged pores.
Treat acne and the scars left by acne.

Microdermabrasion helps to thicken your collagen, which results in a younger looking complexion. Collagen is a protein in your skin that’s abundant when you’re a child and makes skin appear taut and smooth. Collagen production declines as we age, resulting in looser, uneven skin.

Microdermabrasion facial

Also known as microderm. Microdermabrasion is a noninvasive, skin resurfacing procedure that gently exfoliates or polishes away the top layer of dead skin cells, while stimulating collagen growth, to reveal healthy new skin that looks and feels smoother. Fine lines, blemishes, dull skin and sun spots can be improved, especially with regular treatments. Products such as moisturizers, creams and lotions are more easily absorbed and therefore more effective after microdermabrasion treatment. This is a painless, low-risk skin treatment that can be added to your beauty routine.

When to consider a microdermabrasion facial.

If you want to brighten your skin and have a healthy glow
If you have sun damage, acne scars, or fine lines
If your pores are clogged and you often have blackheads and/or whiteheads
If you want to maintain healthy, clear skin

Pros:

Immediate result with no downtime, pain, or side effects
Improved look of scars, wrinkles, and skin spots
Effective for all skin types and colors

Cons:

Cannot help serious skin conditions such as deep acne, active rosacea, eczema or dermatitis
Requires multiple sessions and maintenance treatments for maximum effectiveness
Skin may feel sensitive and be sensitive to the sun immediately after treatment

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering microdermabrasion. If you want to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon.

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Microdermabrasion methods

Most often, your microdermabrasion treatment will be performed by a licensed skincare professional in your plastic surgeon's office or medical spa. There are two general methods for microdermabrasion:

Crystal Microdermabrasion: For this type of microdermabrasion, a handpiece emits crystals onto the surface of the skin, resulting in a gentle abrasion or "polishing" process. Then the dead skin cells along with the crystals are suctioned off either instantaneously (in the same handpiece) or in a secondary process.
Diamond-Tip Microdermabrasion: This type of microdermabrasion works with a diamond-tip handpiece that gently abrades and exfoliates dead skin cells. Like the crystal microdermabrasion, the dead skin is either suctioned off right away in the same handpiece or in a secondary process. The diamond-tip microdermabrasion is safer to perform closer to the eyes and has more flexibility in sensitive areas or on more sensitive skin.

Microdermabrasion may be combined with a light chemical peel to increase the effect. Immediately after your treatments, a moisturizer with SPF will be applied to hydrate and protect your skin.

Note that if you have a serious skin condition such as deep, widespread acne, active rosacea, eczema, or dermatitis, then your plastic surgeon might have other recommendations for you. Skin lesions, open sores, herpes breakouts, and other medical conditions may require other treatments before having microdermabrasion.

How do I prepare for a microdermabrasion procedure?

Your licensed skincare professional or plastic surgeon will provide thorough pretreatment instructions, answer any questions you may have, take a detailed medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine your fitness for treatment. They may ask you about the following:

Open sores, wounds, or cuts on your face that can lead to infection
Medication that makes your skin sensitive such as Retin-A (tretinoin)
Any skin conditions that may be exacerbated by microdermabrasion

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing surgery to promote better healing
Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding
Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery

On the day of your procedure, it is helpful to have a clean face without too much makeup or products.

What can I expect on the day of microdermabrasion treatment?

Your microdermabrasion treatment may be performed in an accredited hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite. Each treatment takes thirty minutes to one hour to complete but may take longer.

You will probably be permitted to go home after a short observation period unless you and your plastic surgeon have made other plans for your immediate post-treatment recovery.

Your surgeon will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After treatment, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care, including information about:

Normal symptoms you will experience
Potential signs of complication

See options for short-term recovery locations.

Some of the major benefits of microdermabrasion are that there are minimal side effects and downtime. The suction and exfoliation might cause some mild swelling and redness on your skin, depending on your sensitivity. After applying a moisturizer with SPF, your skin should soon normalize. Makeup can be applied and you may return to your normal daily activity.

As with most noninvasive procedures, it is recommended that you wait twenty-four hours before doing extremely strenuous exercise. It is always recommended that you wear sunscreen outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

If you have extreme or long-lasting pain or notice redness and swelling contact your surgeon to find out if this is normal or a sign of a problem.

All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Some of the potential complications of all surgeries are:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
Infection and bleeding
Changes in sensation
Scarring
Allergic reactions
Damage to underlying structures
Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures

Fortunately, there are very few risks associated with microdermabrasion. If you have any of the preexisting skin or medical conditions that may put you at risk for infection or negative results, then you should notify the plastic surgeon or skin professional performing this procedure.

In the hands of an untrained, inexperienced individual who may be working out of a non-accredited facility, any procedure can be dangerous. Make sure there is an appropriate physician with oversight of the location where you are receiving microdermabrasion.

For optimal results and to help minimize certain risks, it is important that you maintain a routine and schedule future maintenance treatments with Dr. Max Grishkevich with VipMediSpa.

Microdermabrasion FAQs.

1What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a non-surgical, non-chemical, non-invasive method of skin resurfacing that utilizes fine crystals to provide effective exfoliation and rejuvenation of the superficial layers of the skin. When a more aggressive treatment is necessary, vacuum pressure can be increased to evenly penetrate deeper layers of the skin.Increasing the blood supply provides nutrients necessary for skin regeneration, repair, and increased cellular turnover.In return, improving the skins’ elasticity and texture, as well as balancing the pigment.

2How does the Microdermabrasion treatment work?

The skin is washed to remove excess oil and dirt.Then, a medical professional targets a stream of fine aluminum oxide crystals over the area.The crystals abrade away old, dead skin cells, which the vacuum then picks up with gentle suction.This promotes the growth of collagen and new, rejuvenated skin.Moisturizers and sun block are then applied to the treated area.

3Is Microdermabrasion safe?

Microdermabrasion is a safe and common procedure.Unlike laser resurfacing or chemical peels, this procedure is not traumatic and therefore there is no downtime to allow for healing and recovery.But, as always, provide your full medical history and follow your pre and post-treatment instructions.

4Can I go back to work after a microdermabrasion treatment?

YES!!!!!A few patients do notice their skin feeling tight immediately after the treatment as if the skin has been exposed to the sun or wind.You might experience a slight dryness of the skin depending upon your skin type.An effective moisturizer is applied after the treatment to prevent this drying of the skin.The skin might appear slightly red for the remainder of the day.Additionally, the patient is asked to refrain from using makeup on the day of the treatment to give the skin chance to breathe and regenerate itself. Initially, you may feel a very mild scratching sensation as the crystals make contact with the skin.As the treatments continue, this experience compares to a deep massage.Mild redness may occur for ½ an hour to one day depending on the aggressiveness of the program.

5Will there be any Microdermabrasion downtime?

One of the advantages of Microdermabrasion is that it has no downtime.You can return to your normal routine and apply cosmetics directly after treatment.

6Why is microdermabrasion called the "lunchtime face lift"?

Because microdermabrasion requires no anesthesia and leaves the skin slightly flushed for just a few hours the nickname "lunchtime face lift" has been coined by patients because of its quick recovery time. Microdermabrasion is an excellent option for people who cannot take time off from work for the deeper chemical peels or laser therapy treatments.

7What are the Microdermabrasion results?

Our Medical-Grade Microdermabrasion equipment provides a gentle alternative in facial rejuvenation.It has proven to be effective in the treatment of the following conditions: fine lines; enlarged or clogged pores; mild acne and complexion issues; sun damage; superficial age spots; scaly skin lesions also called keratoses; hyper-pigmentation; uneven skin tone; oily skin; dry/patchy skin; acne scarring; black/white heads; stretch marks; and dull, lifeless skin.In addition, most patients experience dramatic improvements in the color, tone, and texture of treated areas. In general, microdermabrasion results in thicker, healthier, more youthful looking skin.Over the course of a full set of treatments, the body will produce new layers of skin containing higher levels of elastin and collagen.This, in turn, improves the complexion and gives the skin a more radiant, vibrant glow.

8How soon will Microdermabrasion results appear?

Microdermabrasion results are usually immediate and noticeable.Results improve with multiple treatments and vary depending on your individual skin quality.

9How long does a Microdermabrasion treatment last?

A Microdermabrasion facial treatment lasts approximately half an hour.Additional time is required for added areas.

10Who are candidates for Microdermabrasion?

The ideal candidates for microdermabrasion are healthy adults who have relatively minor skin conditions or imperfections and realistic expectations about what microdermabrasion can and cannot do.Microdermabrasion works well for damaged skin, whether affected by acne, sun damage or aging; and skin of any type or color.

11What are the benefits of Microdermabrasion over other procedures?

Less time
Less discomfort
Quick recovery
No disruptions to normal activities
Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are most effective on the face; but not as safe and less effective on the neck, chest and hands
Microdermabrasion is safe and effective on the face, hands, chest, neck, knees and even elbows

12Who should avoid Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is not recommended for people who have deep scars, active keloids, undiagnosed lesions, a recent herpes outbreak, warts on the face, skin cancer, active acne (stages 3 and 4), sunburns or active rosacea, eczema, an auto-immune system disorder, or unstable diabetes.Pregnant women should not undergo microdermabrasion.Individuals with deep scars, facial creases, or other moderate-to-severe skin defects should consider a stronger treatment such as a chemical peel or laser skin resurfacing.

13How does the Microdermabrasion treatment feel?

Microdermabrasion does not require anesthesia, although it may be mildly uncomfortable. Tightness and heat are common effects and quickly fade.The feeling is often compared to a cats’ tongue licking your face.

14How long do the Microdermabrasion results last?

Lasting effects are dependant on proper skin care.Additional treatments will renew your youthful appearance.A series of six treatments over a few months is recommended for best results, followed by regular maintenance treatments.

15What are the limitations of Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is designed for minor imperfections and general improvement.Those with very large or dark spots, moderate to deep wrinkles and serious scars should seek an alternative treatment.

Testimonials

What our patients say

I am always made to feel welcomed. Staff is very friendly and the service consistently high quality. I started with Laser Hair Removal and have done facials, skin tags removed as well all very happy with results. Would and have recommended to my friends!
S.T.
Everytime I come in for my treatment, I am always greeted and feel welcome. I have had great results and the staff is fabulous! Nicole, who does my treatments is fabulous and very thorough. You can tell she takes pride in her work.
J.Y.
Always feel welcome here! The staff here becomes more like friends than a doctors office feel. I have had several different types of treatments and always been satisfied with the results. Both Nicole and Chris are awesome. I always feel comfortable here!
M.W.
From the first consultation to whatever I want to do today, they always give me honest answers to all my questions. No "hard sell" here, just people who want to help. Nicole and Kris are awesome!
G.S.

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